River Region Veterans Coalition Celebrates First Anniversary and Expands Veteran Support Initiatives

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The River Region Veterans Coalition (RRVC) celebrated its first anniversary on February 23, 2026, with a special ceremony and meeting held at Feast Buffet in Montgomery. The event marked one year of collaboration among veteran service organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and community partners dedicated to supporting veterans and their families throughout the River Region.

The anniversary celebration included a ceremonial cake cutting honoring the coalition’s leadership, partner organizations, and the families who stood beside those who served. The event reflected RRVC’s mission to unify resources, strengthen communication, and ensure veterans have access to services, recognition, and community connection.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation from Drew Fitch and Aaron McKeen from First Command of Montgomery of a $1,000 charitable donation, demonstrating continued community support for the coalition’s mission and its expanding programs benefiting veterans and their families throughout the River Region.

During the meeting, RRVC highlighted several major initiatives completed and expanded during its first year:

Educational Outreach: The coalition’s Color with Capt. RRiViC children’s coloring book, which teaches Alabama’s military history, is now available for purchase at the Alabama Department of Archives & History gift shop and the Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute gift shop at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base annex. The project continues to connect younger generations with the legacy of military service, and the coalition hopes to expand availability to additional museums, historic sites, and educational gift shops across Alabama soon.

Veteran-Owned Business Recognition Program: RRVC is actively recognizing veteran-owned businesses throughout the River Region and beyond by presenting certificates of recognition and official decals. These honors help businesses proudly display their veteran status while strengthening community awareness and support for veteran entrepreneurship.

Community Care and Recovery Partnerships: Guest speakers Kent Davis and Bob Holmes of Vets Recover from Mobile presented their mission and programs supporting veterans, first responders, and their families. Vets Recover is dedicated to removing barriers to care, offering both inpatient and outpatient recovery services, delivering integrated health support, and fostering healing through connection and innovative programs such as music therapy and songwriting workshops. Their work promotes long-term wellness and helps participants rebuild purpose, stability, and community.

Since its founding in February 2025, RRVC has grown into a collaborative network including organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans Affairs partners, and numerous nonprofit and community groups. The coalition hasachieved nonprofit 501(c)(3) status and completed projects supporting veterans and military families throughout the region.

“The River Region Veterans Coalition was formed to bring organizations together under one unified effort to better serve those who served our nation,” said RRVC President Keith Rudolph. “Our first year has demonstrated the power of collaboration, and we remain committed to expanding programs, partnerships, and recognition for veterans and their families.”

RRVC will continue holding monthly meetings every 4th Monday open to veteran service organizations, community partners, and supporters who share the coalition’s mission of strengthening veteran care and recognition throughout the River Region.

For more information about the River Region Veterans Coalition, its programs, or upcoming meetings, please contact:

Jason Hughes

Communications Director

River Region Veterans Coalition

RRVC.jason.hughes@gmail.com

Photo credits: Andy and Cheryl Grinstead; Summer Ronso